Tummy Tuck Recovery: What To Expect

You should be prepared to experience some bruising, swelling, tightness, moderate pain, tingling and limited mobility and strength. The first week is often the toughest. You may even wonder if you made the right decision to get a tummy tuck. Rest assured, your body will heal itself, and you will get better. Once you get through the healing period, most patients are thrilled with their results and their decision to have the procedure.

Immediately After a Tummy Tuck

When you first wake up in the recovery room after surgery, you can expect to feel sore and tight due to the muscle tightening and large amount of skin that has been removed. You will be given medicines to help alleviate any discomfort. Most patients can be discharged home on the same day as surgery. Other patients may be required to have their surgery performed in the hospital and to stay overnight, depending on your overall health and the extent of surgery.

Once you are discharged, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home and help you get settled. You can help expedite your recovery by preparing in advance for your return home after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions. You should be prepared to rest after surgery so you can heal. It is important not to overdo it and not to put a strain on your body or your incisions. Above all, your choice of a plastic surgeon is the most important factor, as a better surgeon like Dr Rodney Cooter at abdominoplasty clinic in Adelaide, Waverley House can perform a more skilled operation that leads to less trauma and a faster recovery.

The First Week:

Rest

Rest is essential during the early stages of healing. However, it is equally important that you move around every 3-4 hours to improve circulation during the first week after surgery.

Positioning After Surgery and Sleeping

The position after surgery should be lying on your back with your head slightly elevated at a 30-45 degree angle for 48 hours after surgery. You should place one of two pillows under the knees to flex the hips slightly.

Fluids

Drink plenty of fluids. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery. Dehydration may cause nausea, dizziness, and constipation.

Diet

Your first meal after anaesthesia should be light, such as soup, crackers, jello, and applesauce. You should progress to a normal diet including adequate protein and nutrients, as tolerated. Its best to stick with a low-sodium diet to help reduce swelling and fluid retention, which is common post-op.

Medications

You should take all medications as prescribed by your surgeon. If you experience pain, you should take your prescribed pain medication as directed. Painkillers should be taken with food to prevent nausea.

Dressings and Wound Care

You may be discharged home with dressings in place. You should keep all of your dressings and wounds clean, dry, and intact.

Drains

Small drain tubes may be left in place after surgery to facilitate healing. You will be instructed to empty the drainage tubes at least two or three times a day. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions you can follow.

Garment

You may be discharged home wearing a garment. The garment will support the surgical sites, which will lead to healing and minimise discomfort and swelling.

Physical Activity

Avoid prolonged standing, excessive or lifting for the first week. Only move in a way that is comfortable.

Restricted Activities

Any form of exercise, smoking, alcohol or nicotine consumption, driving, or household chores should be avoided completely.

The Second and Third Week:

Physical Activity

If your comfortable at this stage, you can start moving around throughout the day with light chores.

Pain Medications

This is the time to start tapering away your pain medications.

Restricted Activities

Any smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption or driving.

Week Four and Beyond:

By this time, most feel pretty good. You can start being more active and easing yourself back into your regular routine.

Physical Activity

If possible, you can start with gentle exercises such as light stretching. By now, your energy level may very well be back to normal, however, moderate to heavy exercises need to be avoided.

You will need to refrain from lifting more than 20 pounds for about six weeks.